Her father walked in, followed in short order by his brothers. The two guards stepped out. Kasia lifted her head and rose to her feet to hug and kiss her father and Uncles.

  “Tatu?, why did you not tell me you were inviting Isaak to family breakfast?”

  “I decided late last night.” Her father replied slightly dryly.

  Kasia's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Had Hugo blabbed? Probably.

  “Look Jon! We finally found someone almost as big as you! Oh! I can see why you like him, bratanica.” Nathan beamed playfully.

  "That seems rather inconsiderate of your guest to give such short notice.” Kasia chided her father, “But I am happy for you to meet the man I've been seeing. Tatu?, Wujeks— this is Isaak. I have been enjoying his company for the past two months."

  “Pleased to make your acquaintance, Lord Commander.” Isaak said as he stood up. “It’s an honor to be here.

  “Polite.” Ren observed.

  Kasia let out a discrete sigh of relief. Praise the creators– maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.

  “I should hope so. A man of his age,” Her father narrowed his eyes, “Surely is nothing but a gentleman.”

  “Clearly he is younger than he looks, brat. Probably by ten years. He cannot possibly be your age.” Nathan snickered.

  Fuck. This is about his age?! Kasia's heart dropped. This was going to be exactly as bad as she has first anticipated.

  "Did you invite my companion here only to insult him?" Kasia snapped, going on the offensive.

  Isaak had remained quiet, but Kasia saw the way he was sizing up her family—he was planning something.

  Don't do it! She begged him silently.

  The brothers ignored Kasia's rebuke and continued their needling, “Speaking of age, how old are you, exactly?” Her Uncle Ren turned and smiled kindly at her, “Kasia, is there no one closer to your own age that caught your interest? Even if this were to work out, he would be a decrepit and senile old man while you were still in the blossom of youth. You would spend so much time alone.”

  Katia sighed. So much for changing the topic. “Did you not display a corpse for all the initiates to remind us of the reality of becoming a hunter, Wujek? You told us to prepare for a violent and untimely death, yet you also wish me to fantasize about growing old with someone? What am I to believe?" Kasia was angry. Of course she believed she would survive. She was the daughter and niece of the three legendary hunters! But right now, she wanted to punish them for their behavior.

  “Don’t plan to die!” Ren countered. “Otherwise you’ll end up like Nathan here. Old, single, and helpless with matters of love. This man will never hear a wedding vow.”

  “Hey! The deal was to abuse the boyfriend!” Nathan cried out in mock pain.

  Kasia raised an eyebrow, "I just assumed that was because no woman was willing to share a bed with him and his entire arsenal. And you never married either, Wujek!"

  “This isn’t about them, Kasia. It’s about you. He’s old enough to be your father!” Jon stepped in.

  Kasia glared defiantly at her father, "Add five years to Wojciek and he would be, too. Yet you had no objections to him."

  Jon glared at Kasia. “Try ten to fifteen.”

  Kasia folded her arms over her chest, her eyes stinging with angry tears. "So that's what this is about, then?! You didn't invite Isaak here because you wanted to meet the first man to interest me in three years– you wanted to lecture us about his age?! What doesn't even matter? He has not asked for my hand, he doesn't even want to marry me!" A detail that made Kasia's heart clench with pain, but she continued, "This is a friendship. A romantic one, sure, but I am young. I have many years to find a husband."

  A joyful smile exploded across Isaak’s face, “Exactly!” He exclaimed, spreading his arms wide in merriment. “She is being far more mature about this than you three!”

  Jon’s face quickly turned red before he had a chance to calm his emotions again. The uncles did not look amused either.

  “And no women your age catch your eye either?” The men had finally approached the table and took their seats. Jon beckoned his daughter next to him, while her uncles sat at Isaak’s sides.

  Kasia frowned, disappointed. She had hoped by assuring her father and uncles that things weren’t serious they would see this as the youthful infatuation. Instead, it had only seemed to anger them.

  She hated the squirmy feeling in her gut that came whenever she disappointed her father and Uncles. She moved to the seat closest to her father and sat down quietly. She should simply resign herself to their disapproval since there was no way in all the Abyss they would give it. Still, it rankled her. Failing was not something she took lying down and she began plotting ways to try and appease them.

  While Kasia had been lost in her own thoughts, the verbal sparring had continued without her.

  “Do your knights get this same lecture? I’ve seen them around the village. No young lady is ‘safe’.” Isaak smirked, his eyes ablaze with the pleasure of his defiance.

  Kasia glared at Isaak, “You aren’t helping! Do I even need to be here? Clearly none of you are interested in anything more than trading insults!”

  The Lord Commander’s mouth opens to command her to stay but before the words left his mouth, Isaak beat him to it, “Stay. I like you here.”

  “You do not command my daughter!” The Lord Commander jumped to his feet.

  “He’s right, Isaak. Do not give me orders to irk my Tata– because we both know that’s exactly what you are doing.” She knew he did want her here. She also knew he loved having an audience for his antics.

  “It’s nothing but the truth. Your presence is pleasant.” Isaak protested innocently.

  “That you pissed off my Tata is just a bonus, I imagine?”

  Isaak opened his mouth to reply but Ren interrupted him, “How about the food? Arguing is much more pleasant with a full stomach.”

  “Dzi?kuj? Ci?, Wujek. That does sound more pleasant. I will need my strength if I am going to moderate the four of you.” Kasia scowled around the table at all of them, hands on her hips.

  Her father burst into laughter, “You look just like your sister right now.”

  Nathan and Ren began to chuckle as well, “She does look like Imka, doesn't she? Threatening us all with a tongue lashing that would make the church Speaker proud. She should have gone into the sisterhood, the way she can inspire guilt.”

  “But then we wouldn't have our darling Valencia!” Ren protested.

  “You've never even seen Valencia.” Kasia huffed. None of them had met Imka's daughter, as traveling to Italy and back would require a month in travel time alone–and the knights could not seem to spare their Lord Commander and Generals. Kasia planned to visit after she passed her initiation and took out her rites, but, ‘Soon’ always seemed to creep a little farther into the future each time she asked if she was ready.

  __________

  Out of a strong desire to avoid Kasia’s lecture, the assembled group waited in pregnant silence for the food to arrive. Any wrong words could turn this breakfast into a brawl.

  Isaak sat at his end of the table looking very pleased with himself. His eyes kept jumping between the enormous bear of a man that was the Lord Commander and the petite slip of a girl who was his offspring, his dubious expression plain for everyone to see.

  “My Matka was small. I take more after her.” Kasia blurted defensively.

  “I wasn't going to say anything,” Isaak gave her a shit eating grin, “But if I was, I woulda ask if you're sure—-Gahh!”

  Kasia kicked him hard under the table. She could not let him finish that sentence. The last time someone had suggested that the Lord Commander couldn't be her father, that person had to be carried out on a healer’s stretcher.

  Even now, Kasia could see her father's nostrils flaring, daring Isaak to continue.

  Isaak looked like a child holding a stick outside of a caged bear, eager to see how far he could provoke it, so Kasia kicked him again.

  “Ow! Very well, dear. I'll hearken to your wisdom.” Isaak looked at Kasia, amused.

  The food arrived in short order. Or was it an hour? The tension in the room made it impossible for Kasia to know. Boiled eggs and a flat bread made from imported wheat was served. And apparently today was special because some lamb was brought in when they were close to finishing the rest.

  Kasia filled the silence with vapid chatter about anything she thought it would be impossible to fight about— the weather, if they thought the winter would be particularly harsh this coming season, how the local farmers were doing and were their crops giving good yield? That the tailor had received a new shipment of fabrics from Imka’s husband, Blasio.

  None in the village could afford such luxurious fabrics, and the knights, though they could afford it, tended toward practicality. Still, some of their wives and daughters enjoyed getting a silk scarf or brocade dress every now and again. But that didn’t matter to Blasio. He simply wanted to make certain that his wife’s family had access to the best– and he hoped that maybe someday he could turn Gdansk from a small sea fairing town into a bustling port city if word got around that it was the best place in Poland to purchase luxury fabrics.

  Imka had also sent along a beautiful dress that Kasia would likely never wear– but Kasia would never tell her that. She now had a couple beautiful gowns in her wardrobe. The only time Kasia had worn them was when playing dress-up with Janine a few times. She planned to give one of the dresses to Janine for her wedding to Andrew. Hopefully Imka wouldn’t mind. It was unlikely she would find out– she never visited. The journey was too far and she had a young child, and was now pregnant with another.

  “I ordered some new tunics,” Kasia continued speaking to her deaf audience. They were too busy trying to kill Isaak with their glares and growls as they ate. “I was wondering if any of you would like me to place an order for you? Tatu?, yours are starting to become quite threadbare and it would be good to have some thicker ones for the winter…”

  No one reacted to the things she was saying, but Kasia continued to fill the silence with dogged determination.

  With the meal finished, the Lord Commander stared down Isaak on the other side of the table. No one said a word for a good while.

  After an intense staring contest in which neither of them blinked, her father spoke in a dangerously soft voice, “Maybe you should leave this village.”

  Kasha choked on her water, horrified at her father’s bluntness.

  “Nope,” the smile never left Isaak’s face. He patted Nathan’s arm and pointed at Jon. Can you believe this guy?

  Kasia rolled her eyes, ‘Really, Isaak? You wouldn’t stay before and now you won’t leave?’ she thought bitterly. Apparently you would stay just to piss off my Tatu?-- but not to be with me? Dick.

  But Kasia said none of those things. That was between her and Isaak. Instead she addressed her father, “Tatu?, you will run the man out of town simply for daring to like me?”

  “It would be safer for that pretty face of his if he did. He's just begging for us to break it.” Nathan started to count on his fingers, looking at each of the men until he reached three. Then he held up one finger representing Isaak. Three against one.

  “Should I be worried? It would be a terrible look for your order among the village– inviting a guest to breakfast and then murdering him? No, I think I’m safer here than anywhere else.” He winked at her father.

  “You smug little bastard!” Nathan snarled, slamming his fist on the table, rattling the plates and utensils.

  “You know my parents?!” Isaak taunted them delightedly.

  Jon began to grip the table tightly.

  “You impetuous weasel!” Even Ren was beginning to lose control over his emotions.

  “Weasel?! How rude! I’m far more clever.” He winked at Kasia.

  Seeing the wink ended any patience her father had left. “Enough! You will duel me and I shall teach you manners. And when I’m done you will tell us how many bastards you’ve fathered and broken homes that you’ve created. Vile beast.”

  “Vile beast? How did you know?” Isaak managed to choke out as both Ren and Nathan pulled him away from the table and began to march him to the training grounds.

  Kasia chased after them shouting, “Stop this! This is ridiculous!” She hated feeling helpless. Feeling like a toy they were fighting over– and the winner got to choose her fate. None of them seemed to give a shit about what she wanted.

  She looked from her father to Isaak. “Please don’t do this. I am asking you both not to do this. Tatu?– no crime has been committed. My honor and virtue are intact. You attack him for no reason! Isaak— Damn you, why must you bait my family? Do you care so little for my feelings?”

  Isaak's expression became slightly pained and he sighed, “It was a fun game. But it seems as though it is over. Hey, Tatu?, we should listen to her opinion.”

  “What did you call me?!” Her father screamed as Nathan shook Isaak roughly.

  “Sorry, sorry,” Isaak laughed as Nathan continued to shake him, “I couldn’t help myself. What does she want? I haven’t forced her hand. Would you?”

  “You’re just saying that to save your ass. I am looking forward to prying dented armor from your barely functional body.” Nathan studied Isaak's body like an appraiser at auction, “Two blows until something breaks. And I’m being generous.”

  Her father appeared more angry than ever at being lecture on his parenting.

  “Brat!” Ren called before Jon could strike a defenseless Isaak. “Your daughter may be young, and with that still comes a level of naivete. But I’ve never known her to be a fool. Let her speak.”

  Her father was breathing heavily. Veins were bulging in his neck. He looked at Kasia, his eyes wild, but at the sight of her, he seemed to regain control. He took several deep breaths and then nodded for her to speak.

  So Kasia did, “I understand you do not approve of us spending time together, Tatu?, but you must allow me to live. To make mistakes and learn from those mistakes. If you shield me from the world how will I ever face it when you are gone? Maybe he is a rake. Maybe he will hurt me and break my heart. And maybe he won’t. But I will never know if you shield me from it.”

  Her father did not look happy, but she could also see much of the anger had gone out of him, “I would shield you forever–especially from scum like him. Why not a nice arranged marriage? Imka has sent me countless letters about all the fine matches she could make for you. Or one of the knights– I’ll let you pick someone–anyone you want– and I’ll order them to marry you!”

  Kasia walked to her father and hugged him, “You saw how well that would have worked with Wojciek. I know you want to protect me. I love you for it. And a part of me wants to hide behind you forever… but… you aren’t immortal…” her eyes went distant, thinking of her late mother. “Someday, all I have will be what you taught me… so let me do this. Help me do this. Teach me how to live and to love without you.” Kasia couldn’t stop the tears falling down her cheeks.

  “Foolish daughter,” Her father spoke calmly. “I love you.”

  “So is that a yes?” Isaak's voice broke through the tender moment.

  Kasia whirled around and smacked Isaak soundly, wiping her eyes, “Don’t ruin this, you prick!”

  She turned back to her father and had to stand on her tiptoes and give a little hop in order to reach her arms around his neck to hug him, so she could whisper in his ear, “I love you too,Tatu?. And I always will.”

  “But the duel!” whined Nathan.

  Isaak chuckled softly, “I think that I’m rather fine without it. I spend my day chopping trees … though with how thick you are … yes, it would be like a tree. You must work hard.”

  “It is too late for flattery, fool!” Jon snarled at him, “I do this for my daughter. I was looking forward to introducing you to Darla.”

  “Maybe someday, Tatu?.” Kasia patted her father’s arm sympathetically. “I am sure he will fuck this up.”

  “Hey! That hurts. I’m excellent at pleasing women! And who’s Darla?”

  He screamed as Nathan shook him like a drunk looking for the last drop of beer in a bottle.

  Kasia walked up to Isaak calmly and stared deep into his blue-green eyes. “I like you, Isaak. I think I have been very upfront about that. But I love my family. If the choice is between you and them, I will choose them every time. You might know that if you spent more time talking to me and less time trying to get into my pants.” she kept her voice low so her father and uncles wouldn’t overhear that last part.

  She did not wish to embarrass Isaak in front of them, but she was also furious at him for how he had behaved with her family. As if bedding her was a game that he was playing just to piss them off. Could he not see how much they loved her? How they only did this because they feared for her heart? And still he chose to be a prick about it. It saddened her. Kasia was seriously reconsidering if she could love a man who would delight in upsetting her family.

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  “Give me a little credit. They made it so easy. And it’s not like they behaved. I rejected the invitation. Six hunters escorted me from the inn at sword point! And they,” he gestured flippantly at her family, “threatened to kill me. Your father looks like a bear!”

  Kasia sighed. “My family is kind of a package deal if you wish to keep seeing me. I understand that you did not ask for this. It would be completely understandable if you do not think it worth the trouble.” Kasia stared at him seriously.

  “Your worth the trouble. But where is their behavior lecture? I don’t want to be manhandled every time I visit the castle.” Isaak put on the most innocent look that he could.

  “They were protecting me! You were amusing yourself at my expense! That is why you get a lecture! Hurting my family is not behavior that I will tolerate. Do you understand?”

  He brushed a thumb along her cheek, grinning happily. “You look like a wildfire when you're angry. Yes, I understand.”

  Kasia studied him, trying to see if this was another joke. Satisfied that it wasn’t, she gave him a light peck on the cheek. “Good.”

  Her father watched them silently until Kasia had finished speaking. “Let him go Ren, Nathan. He won’t die … today.”

  Her father came to stand behind her and put his hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “You may go spend the day with him if you wish. Consider it my apology.

  Ren let go of Isaak and Nathan gave him a shove as he removed his hands.

  “Just say the word, I’ll duel you in his place.” Nathan stared intensely at Isaak.

  “I know that I am tough, but I’m sure that I am no match for you.” Isaak elbowed Nathan in the side as he moved to stand by Kasia.

  Kasia slid her hand into his, “I would enjoy spending the rest of today with you, if my dear family hasn’t frightened you off. Shall we walk along the beach?”

  “After you.” He looked back over his shoulder to the three men, and winked. “Nice to meet you.”

  “But how old are you?!” Ren called after them.

  “We’re just pretending right?” Nathan whispered loudly, “We know where he sleeps. It’ll be an accident.”

  —-----------------------------------------

  When they were alone, Kasia squeezed Isaak’s hand. “I’m sorry my Tata basically kidnapped you…”

  Isaak chuckled, “That was fun.”

  Kasia grunted irritably, “Glad one of us enjoyed it.”

  Isaak finally looked apologetic. “I am sorry that was unpleasant for you.”

  Kasia pulled them to a stop, her eyes full of pain. “Well, you met the three legendary hunters. Now that it's done, I imagine this is goodbye?”

  Isaak smiled with impish delight, “Are you kidding? I can’t wait for my next kidnapping.” He laughed.

  Kasia looked at him bewildered, “I don’t understand. I…why would you stay?”

  “I suppose to irk them some more is not the answer that you are looking for?” He gave her a quick peck on the lips. “I’m not ready to move on yet.”

  Kasia’s gaze turned hard and she grit her teeth, “If that is the reason, then you can consider our friendship to have reached its natural end. I am not a toy and my feelings are not a game.”

  “First,” He held up a finger, “everything is a game. Life is to be enjoyed. And second, you clearly haven’t listened to a word I’ve ever said.” For the first time since Kasia had met the man, he sounded angry. He stepped away from her so that she couldn’t touch him. “Your opinion of me is less than your Ojciec’s. Enjoy your day off.”

  He walked in the direction of the exit.

  Kasia wanted to storm off. But she also wanted to be with him. His anger surprised her. Swearing under her breath she ran after him, until she was keeping stride with him. Well, more like jogging beside him.

  "I'm… sorry!" She ground out with difficulty. "I'm…falling in love with you and it's killing me. I know you have said you're not closed off to love, but you're also not falling like I am! You're going to break my heart and I'm so fucking scared to go through that again. To be used again."

  "I'm not going to use you, my lady.” Isaak’s pace slowed to a more comfortable one, his tone losing its angry edge, “I enjoy our time together. I enjoy your company. Conversing with you is pleasant. Kissing and touching you is exciting." His face was soft once again. His fingers touched the side of her hand. "Forever is a long time to promise. But for right now, at least, I am yours."

  Kasia slid her hand into his, feeling like an utterly neurotic mess.

  Isaak put a comforting arm around her. He leaned in and whispered into her ear, “Is this safe in the castle? I would hate to meet Darla.”

  Kasia shrugged, fighting a smile, “Somehow I doubt that. You put on quite a show for my family, but you weren’t afraid.”

  Isaak chuckled darkly, “Should I be? I don’t take your Ojciec for a murderer.”

  Kasia considered his question seriously, “I wouldn’t discount him. Well, I guess if you plan to keep seeing me, you’ll find out.”

  They walked out the front gates, Kasia giving Erik a small wave. Erik took one look at Isaak, his mouth slightly agape. His thoughts were plain to see, Your father is letting you spend time with that?!

  Isaak POV:

  They walked to the beach, hand in hand. Kasia seemed to be feeling better and apologized again. "I'm sorry I insulted your character, Isaak. Forgive me."

  His reply was to plant a soft kiss against her hair, catching a whiff of that intoxicating scent that he was certain he'd never experience again.

  Isaak understood her fears, but that didn't mean he would indulge in the behavior. She would learn to face her fear of loss and enjoy her life—he was determined to teach her this lesson.

  She wanted to be a huntress? Then she needed to act based on what her quarry had done, not what they might do.

  He took his shirt off and laid out under the sun, inviting her to join him. “Please stop frowning. You’re far too beautiful to have so many worries. I’m not angry.”

  Kasia smiled, and seemed to be at least trying to be in the moment with him. That was a start. The sun was shining, the waters were clear and they had the day all to themselves. It was too perfect a day to waste on worries.

  They were alone together. Unchaperoned. Isaak watched the wheels turning in Kasia's mind as she seemed to be realizing their situation. When would they have a chance like this again? He could have laughed at how transparent her thoughts were—but all amusement ceased when she began to strip off her tunic. Slowly.

  Isaak’s eyes snapped to Kasia’s. He watched in silent rapture as she took her tunic off. She was giving him a show? She’d been so embarrassed before. A proud smile spread across his face. That's it, pretty girl. Let yourself be free. Live a little.

  He expected her to come cuddle up with him once she was topless. To his surprise, she didn’t stop there.

  Kasia hesitated just a moment before unlacing her breeches. He had only removed his shirt— only going as far as they had gone before. Did she know what taking things further meant? If she removed her breeches, she was essentially saying she was willing to be naked with him; and he with her.

  He needed to be certain and held up a hand to stop her, “Are you sure? We don't need to cross this line if you aren't ready.”

  She hesitated, mulling over his words. He liked that about her—when he asked her a question, she actually took time to think about the answer instead of blurting out what she thought he wanted to hear.

  Kasia nodded slowly, a soft smile playing at her lips. She probably didn't even realize she was doing it. “It's surprising, even to me, but I do want this.”

  She parted the lacing of her trousers, and slid the fabric down.

  The sun illuminated her pale skin and made it glow like captured moonlight. Her short, ink-black hair had a blue halo, like raven feathers.

  She stood completely naked before him for the first time. She already knew he found her beautiful, but he could still see her fear at this new level of vulnerability.

  Isaak stared in wonder. He lost himself in her beauty. Every curve was perfect. Every motion of her body was inviting. Her muscles were hard and toned and flexed with every step she took. A lifetime spent training and honing her body to lethal perfection. Time passed him by and he did not pay it a single thought.

  After allowing him a good long look, Kasia turned away to face the ocean. She threw him a coquettish smile over her shoulder and walked into the coming surf. She dove into an oncoming wave to immerse herself completely, coaxing her body to embrace the cold.

  She rose from the water gasping and laughing.

  She was divinely beautiful. He still had not moved. He had watched her hips sway as she walked away towards the ocean. He watched how the sunlight glistened off of the droplets that rolled down her body. He wanted her.

  Kasia waved him over from the water, “Come play with me! I want to splash you and then get mad when you splash me back!”

  Isaak grinned wickedly. He stood up and stripped off his pants while looking directly at her. He would let her decide whether she was fortunate or unfortunate to see how her beauty affected him. Shamelessly he walked towards the water, hiding none of his desire.

  Kasia’s eyes widened in a mixture of wonder and horror. She had never seen a—a man before. Not like this. She had taken pains to shield her eyes whenever such a thing might occur. And she had especially never seen one that was directed at her. How on earth were they supposed to…? She pushed the image of them from her mind. Would she like it? Would it hurt?

  She found it difficult to look away. While she was very curious, she didn’t feel ready to explore that which made him a man just yet. So when he came near, she approached him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders so she could feel it pressed against her stomach. What surprised her the most was how hot it was! Even in the cold water. Though, the water did appear to be helping it relax.

  She remembered how embarrassed Harold had gotten when he’d grown an erection during their sparring match. And Andrew was quite bashful whenever he got one and Kasia was around. But not Isaak. Why?

  “Most of the men I’ve encountered work very hard to hide their—” she coughed, clearing her throat, “--uh–desires. Why don’t you? Or why do they?” she asked, still staring at his length.

  “I’ve lived a long time. I’ve learned to take advantage of all good things when I can.” Isaak couldn’t believe how good it felt simply to be pressed up against the skin of her stomach. And she had been far bolder than he’d expected as well.

  He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. “Does it bother you? I had expected you to turn away.”

  Kasia let out a nervous trill of laughter, “Don’t get me wrong— the thought of trying to fit that inside of me is almost enough to make me piss myself. But I’ve also never really seen one like that and… you never seem to mind my questions.” Kasia’s brow was furrowed in thought. Then her face relaxed and she squirmed out of his arms, splashing him.

  “It will fit.” He purred. “And you’ll love it.”

  Kasia pursed her lips, looking unconvinced.

  He bent over and kissed her. His tongue vying for entry into her mouth.

  She refused only for a moment, then gave in, relaxing into his arms and letting him scoop her up to better devour her mouth.

  He held their bodies close while they kissed, a certainty rising inside him. After succeeding in getting her this close he would never willingly let her go. She was his.

  “Do you have any other questions?”

  Kasia tilted her head, then flushed red when she thought of a question to ask. “How can it fit? I have… explored. Anything larger than a finger causes me pain. And, well, that is not a finger.”

  Isaak did his best not to laugh. She was an innocent and such a question was only natural. He succeeded in only letting out a chuckle. “I would prefer to show you." He rumbled softly, waiting for her to reply. She would blush but deny him. He was sure of it.

  Kasia bit her lip, shaking her head ruefully, “You know I can’t.”

  Isaak chuckled and caught her chin with the crook of his finger, pressing his lips to hers in a chaste kiss. ”When the time comes, when you are ready to give all of yourself to me, your body will know what to do."

  His fingers drifted along her thighs dangerously close to the apex of her thighs. But, as difficult as it was to stop himself, he did not continue, he only teased her. Though it felt more like torturing himself. He was closer to her than he'd ever been and it made his blood heat and his heart roar inside his chest in anticipation of an act that would not yet be completed.

  Kasia flushed a deeper shade of red, and he could see how his words and touches affected her. But then he saw doubts flash across her face and she became closed off. She wasn't ready. That was okay. She needed time to trust him, and more importantly, trust herself.

  She squirmed out of his arms again, and splashed him. “Play with me.” she demanded.

  “Oh?” Isaak lunged forward and grabbed her, then spun around and with a powerful motion flung Kasia through the air.

  Kasia squealed with delight as she flew through the air and landed with a large splash. She swam back to the surface giggling. “My parents used to do that with me!”

  She swam back to him, eyes glittering with childlike glee and pressed her hands to his chest, “Again! Do it again!”

  Isaak laughed, feeling pure joy in this simple game. He picked her up again. This time he spun several revolutions before chucking her with most of his strength. She went further this time.

  Kasia screamed and landed with another loud splash. She swam back, grinning the entire time. Her body was radiating happiness and Isaak didn't think he'd ever seen her look more beautiful.

  Which made it the perfect time to splash her in the face.

  Kasia screamed and pouted for a moment, just as she had promised earlier, then held up her arms. “That was rude. Keep throwing me! This is incredible– you’re so strong!”

  Kasia and Isaak played together in the water for several hours. Eventually, however, both of their bellies began to growl.

  ““I can't remember the last time I had this much fun! Shall we go to the inn?” Kasia asked.

  This time it was his turn to pout. “That means that our time without clothes is over.”

  “Nonsense. We put on clothes to get inside the inn, then we go to your room and take them back off. Sondra can bring food to the room. I’m sure she’ll jump at the chance to see you naked– she’s always telling me how handsome she finds you.” Kasia laughed affectionately.

  “Oh? Are you itching at the chance to show me off? Are you going to parade me in front of Sondra?”

  Kasia shook her head, “Oh no. You are all mine.” Kasia purred, wrapping her arms around his waist and kissing his chest possessively, “But I won’t begrudge her for stealing a peak.”

  “Pity. Hunting such a handsome trophy and hiding it.” He winked at her. “Huntress.”

  Kasia nipped his chest, “No! Mine!”

  Isaak looked down at her with a predatory look in his eyes. He licked his teeth. In a swift motion he picked her up and bit her neck.

  “Mine.” he rumbled, kissing the red mark he'd left behind.

  She stuck her tongue out at him. He was tempted to bite that next…

  “To the inn.”

  Kasia POV

  After dressing, Kasia insisted that Isaak carry her on his shoulders so she could feel what it was like to be a giant.

  When they arrived at the inn, it was lively and full of people. Kasia greeted Sondra warmly, and a few of the other villagers she recognized. They ordered food and then went up to Isaak’s room together where, true to her word, they both undressed immediately.

  Kasia moaned in delight when they slid beneath the blankets together and her entire body was pressed against him. “Ooh this feels wonderful. Not that I’m pushing the marriage topic but how do you go so long without having someone to hold? Now that I’ve felt this, I don’t know how I’ll ever sleep alone again!”

  “There’s always room here.” Isaak answered confidently. He stroked her body with his fingertips as they spoke. He remained in areas that she’d invited him to before. But he occasionally drifted close to new conquests to see how she would react.

  “I would come every night, but I can’t afford to lose that much sleep with how hard Ren is pushing us. I’ll come as often as I can, though.”

  “It does feel wonderful. Doesn’t it?” A crooned lazily, "At the risk of sounding romantic, I’ve dreamed of this.”

  Kasia laughed, “And now I will too! You’ve ruined me, you monster!” she pushed him playfully.

  “Ruined? I’m hurt, princess. I’d never ruin you. Only pleasure.” before he could make good on that promise and threaten her virtue any further, they were interrupted by a knock at the door. Kasia sat up straight immediately, hiking the blanket over her breasts to shield herself. “C-come in!” she called out in a breathless voice that was full of guilt.

  Isaak rolled off of Kasia and sat up in the bed. “Sondra. What perfect timing.” He smirked.

  “Is everything okay up here? You look nervous Kasia.” Sondra strode in and began laying food on the table.

  Kasia raised the blankets to her chin so only her emerald eyes and burning ears could be seen. “Yes. Everything is well. Thank you. Your timing. Very perfect. Thank you. Yes.” she babbled.

  “Are you sure? Say the word and I’ll throw this sexy mongrel out.” Sondra winked at Kasia.

  Kasia lowered the blanket back to her chest, her heart surging with gratitude, “No, I really am fine. And I am right where I want to be. But thank you.”

  “Of course, my dearest. If you need anything, come see me.” Sondra smiled with a light in her eyes. Then she left and closed the door behind her.

  “Mongrel?!” Isaak protested after she left.

  Kasia burst out laughing. “First a weasel, then a mongrel– apparently everyone seems to think you an animal!” She got up from the bed and fetched the tray of food Sondra had brought, then settled back next to Isaak to eat.

  Isaak watched as she walked away and walked back. “You are gorgeous.” His eyes devoured her.

  Kasia beamed at him and fed him one of Sondra’s pies. “You are the most handsome man I’ve ever met, so coming from you, that really makes me feel special. So, other than tempting me to sin, what do you like to do?” Kasia asked with a crooked smile.

  “Hmm.. I enjoy pulling strings. Your family was a lot of fun.” he chuckled. “Though I apologize for the stress I put you through.”

  “Thank you." Kasia bowed her head in acknowledgement, "I apologize for how heavy handed my family is. Does it bother you that I am the Lord Commander’s daughter?”

  He laughed, “Not at all. You could be royalty and it would still be the same hunt to me.”

  She pursed her lips, “How do you decide when a hunt is over?”

  “Do you truly wish to know?”

  “Is the answer so frightening?”

  “It is straightforward. And not very flattering.”

  “I don’t know if you’ve noticed this, but I am a very blunt person. I prefer others to be with me as well.”

  Isaak tightened his arm around her, as if to prevent her from striking him for what he was about to say, “I abandon the hunt when I no longer find it interesting, as does any other hunter.”

  “I disagree. I don’t stop a hunt until I have completed it.”

  “Oh? So the hunt should be over after I have successfully taken you? Is that what you wish?” he raised an eyebrow in challenge.

  “If that is all you are hunting for, probably.” Kasia replied with a dismissive huff.

  “There is much easier quarry for those kinds of hunts. They are not interesting.”

  “I suppose I should be flattered.” she hummed, thinking. “Do you tell them goodbye, or simply disappear?”

  “It depends on the prey. Sometimes it is better to disappear.”

  Kasia was quiet for a long minute. “Please say goodbye to me.”

  “Should the moment come, I will. That is a promise I can make.”

  “Thank you.” She felt a bit better. “Have you ever been hunted, Isaak?”

  “I have been baited.”

  “What’s the difference?”

  “A hunt is an act. I bought you breakfast. I convinced you to sit with me. I told you pretty things and stroked your neck. I pursued you… They sit in their corner, acting pretty, just waiting for me to take a bite.”

  “So no one has ever actually pursued you?”

  “It is not a common trait among women.”

  “Does that disappoint you?”

  “Not at all, I enjoy the hunt. What about you? You threatened to see others. Do you have many suitors?”

  “Not many and none that I care to entertain.” Kasia grimaced, thinking of Wojciek .

  “Really? Someone as beautiful as you?” Isaak questioned her about the lack of suitors.

  “I’m the Lord Commander’s daughter. They are either too afraid or only want me because of that position. That’s why I didn’t tell you who I was at first… But,” Kasia smiled brightly, “even when you found out nothing changed.” she kissed his cheek.

  “Are you sure? What if I now want to eat breakfast with you and your family more often?” He teased her about the disaster that today had been.

  Kasia laughed warmly, "Maybe the next one will go better?"

  Isaak kissed her tenderly. It would not go better.

  “So, hunting, sex, and pissing off my family. Any other hobbies?”

  “Not many, I don’t stick around very long. I don’t make things. I don’t want to take them with me.”

  “Too busy running from your past?”

  Isaak raised his eyebrows, amused, “What makes you think I am running from anything?”

  “It’s in your eyes.”

  Isaac's grin widened, “Oh? And what do you see in my eyes?” He leaned over her, gazing at her intensely with his mesmerizing green-blue eyes.

  “What I have to say will be straightforward and not flattering. Are you sure you want me to answer?”

  He tilted his head thoughtfully, lips twitching with amusement, then nodded, “I am curious.”

  “I see a lot of pain. I see a man running from his past. Looking for the next shiny thing to dull the ache, until it catches up to him once more. And then he runs again. You have already lost everything and have nothing left to lose. That’s why you aren’t afraid of the monster in the woods.”

  “Yet you remain.” Isaak caressed her cheek, his eyes teasing.

  “For now. Until the pain comes back and my presence is no longer enough to dull it.” She kissed his lips softly. “I don’t know what happened, but I am sorry. And before you accuse me of pity– it is not pity I feel. It is compassion.”

  Isaak barked a laugh, the movement shaking Kasia on his belly, “You really go for the heart there. I was hoping you’d say I had beautiful eyes and a confident demeanor.” he joked.

  “No. I just suck at lying. Flattery is a form of lying.”

  “Cynical.”

  “Have we met?” she grinned, wiggling her eyebrows at him, “But you do have beautiful eyes. And an arrogant demeanor.”

  “And what scares you more, huntress? That the pain will catch up, or that you might fix it? I truly am a monster, you know.”

  Kasia smiled sadly, “I am certain I can’t. And I am sad for it. But I can give you some good memories to look back on.” she winked, echoing his earlier sentiments.

  “Such as this one?” he purred, running a hand down her side.

  Kasia shivered with pleasure and nodded, cuddling closer.

  That night, as they held each other, they took time to learn the other’s body. Hands wandered and caressed, exploring previously uncharted territory. By the time they fell asleep, there was no part of them that was not known to the other. And what a wondrous thing that was, to be known.

  Kasia woke with the dawn once more. Isaak urged her to stay with him, kissing her again and again.

  “Believe me, there is nothing I want more. But if I stay, they’ll know I spent the night with you– and that is something my family can never know.” Kasia whispered, pulling her lips from his hungry mouth.

  With one last look at her woodsman, she disappeared into the breaking dawn and to the secret passage that led to the castle.